Which Status of Christian Life Are You?

I am sharing this short reflection, which I wrote in 2014 and was part of my inspirational talk with Filipinos at Invercargill Central Baptist Church.

Meeting and ministering with migrant workers allows me to learn their aspirations and hardships, including their desire to give their families a better life in New Zealand or their home country. ➔ CLICK TO READ MORE

Church Meeting on 11 May Sunday

After the 11th May Sunday worship service, there will be a meeting to decide on two matters:

1. Elders’ election
2. Adjustment to the constitution.

All present are welcome to attend, but only enlisted members can vote.

We will hold a fellowship lunch on Sunday, 11 May, to celebrate Mother’s Day. Please bring food to share.

Holding fellowship lunches is also about team-building, where we volunteer to prepare, serve, and help with the aftercare tasks. Please be ready to participate.

Two May Events – Ladies’ Morning Tea and Mid-week Fellowship

A Lecture-Seminar on Assertiveness by Dr. Val Gonzales

Our family friends, Dr. Val and Chelly Gonzales, will visit Oamaru from June 9 to 18, 2025.

They live in Mesquite, Texas. Val is an educator, minister, licensed psychotherapist, and amateur photographer who has served in Southeast Asia and North America.

During their visit, Val will preach in the morning and hold a lecture-seminar on assertiveness on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at 2:00 PM at OBC.

Val will preach about the church and mental health. Please invite your family and friends to join our worship service.

The lecture-seminar “To Understand and To Be Understood—A Seminar on Assertiveness” is open to all church members and the community. Please plan to attend and invite others.

In June 2017, they also came to Timaru, and Val conducted a “Building Relational Skills” lecture at Wilson Street Baptist Church. Let’s pray for their preparation and a safe trip to New Zealand.

Be the good soil

The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way, they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.

But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.

The Lord Jesus has illustrated in Luke 18-14-15 how a seed can die and grow. Remember that as a growing and living church, we need to have a noble and good heart, listen and retain his word, and persevere to produce fruit.

Remembering the 11th month, 11th day, at the 11th hour

We saw the Armistice Day remembrance at Caroline Bay this morning. Remembrance Day is usually connected with the fallen soldiers in all wars, so we can live in peace, is often said.

May we all be reminded of the war’s horror and the suffering it brings. Wars are never the answer. The Prince of Peace is!

Special meeting after the worship service

Please remain right after the worship service for a brief meeting. We have one main agenda – Children and Youth Ministry.

As of 6 November, we counted 19 children of various ages who attended OBC. We must restart a ministry for them.

Train up a child in the way he should; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

OBC is growing back

He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while he prunes every branch that does bear fruit so that it will be even more fruitful (John 15:2).

We cannot deny that OBC went through a “cutting off and pruning” season. Times were uncertain. A lot had left, and Sunday attendance dwindled. That was months ago.

Praise the Lord! We are growing back in number! Below are my average Sunday attendances (adults and children) since starting in June.

• June – 18
• July – 23
• August – 27
• September – 32
• October – 42

This week, I made a head count. I listed the names of those who have regularly attended our Sunday worship service. I counted 48 (adults – 29; children/youth – 19). I included the seven visitors last Sunday, November.

I believe there will be more people coming to OBC. Let us continue to pray and always be ready to welcome them.

Christmas 2022 Activities

• 9 December, Friday – Singing Christmas carols at the Observatory Village
  
• 11 December, Sunday – Christmas Around the World Worship-Service; shared lunch;
  Guest Speaker – Rachel Murray;
  
• 18 December, Sunday – Carolling at the Sandringham House Rest Home
  
• 24 December, Saturday – Christmas Eve Service
  
• 25 December, Sunday – Christmas Day Worship-Service

Watch out for more details!

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given. Isaiah 9:6a

REMINDERS…

Prayer Meeting @ OBC on Wednesday, 3:00 to 4:00 PM.

Last Wednesday, Gail brought the first Bible she bought after becoming a Christian. She shared her testimony.

We prayed for the sick people. We petition God’s provision to those waiting for their resident visa, new job, and in need. Please come and join us in prayer.

Group Leaders Training on 17-18 February 2023.

In pursuit of our mission to follow the Great Commission of Jesus Christ, we will be holding this training on 17-18 February.

We aim to train leaders who will lead and facilitate Bible study groups. Please approach the pastor if you are interested.

Food collection is on-going

We are collecting food for people or families needing food relief. It is a blessing to give joy and happiness to our neighbours. Please check the expiry date of your donation. Thank you!

Be part of OBC’s life and ministry!

Everyone is encouraged to participate in the life and ministry of OBC. We can guide you and be with you if you need support.

Thank you very much to those who have stepped up and taken on some tasks. Please look at our roster sheet and feel free to get another assignment.